In his analysis for the Mail Online, former England coach Sir Clive Woodward highlights three crucial matchups to watch in anticipation of Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash.
With England winning just one of their last six games against their historic rivals, Woodward emphasizes the importance of these key players in securing victory.
He describes the upcoming match at Murrayfield as pivotal for England's 2024 Six Nations campaign following their less-than-convincing victories over Italy and Wales.
George Ford
Ford began his rugby journey at Saddleworth Rangers at age four before progressing to Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls. At St George’s School, Harpenden, he played alongside Owen Farrell. Ford made his pro debut at 16, becoming the youngest English player to do so, and was named World Rugby Young Player of the Year in 2011.
He debuted for England in 2014, eventually featuring in multiple Six Nations and Rugby World Cup campaigns. Ford is now in Steve Borthwick’s squad for the 2024 Six Nations.
Woodward wrote: "Russell gets all the headlines and rightly so because he’s a phenomenal player. He’s always been able to deliver a moment of individual magic but now he can control games for 80 minutes and I think his growth as a player has been reflected by Scotland giving him the co-captaincy.
"Ford is a less ‘showy’ player but his experience will be vital in Edinburgh. He is unlikely to get flustered even if things are going against his side which is what you need at a place like Murrayfield.
Maro Itoje
Itoje joined the England squad for the 2016 Six Nations and has become a key player since. He led England U20 to victory at the 2014 Junior World Championship.
Debuting in 2016, he enjoyed a remarkable winning streak of 26 out of 27 games for club and country. Itoje featured in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final and has been a consistent presence in England squads. He continues in Steve Borthwick’s 2024 Six Nations squad.
Woodward wrote: "Scotland lost Richie Gray to a biceps injury in their win over Wales and although Gilchrist and Scott Cummings are good players, England have a world-class talent in Maro Itoje in their second row.
"If England are to win, they’ll need a big game from Itoje, who has looked back to his best. He has Ollie Chessum alongside him with George Martin — who I also like — in reserve after recovering from injury. England have to get on top up front to win."
Ollie Lawrence
Itoje joined the England squad for the 2016 Six Nations and has become a key player since. He led England U20 to victory at the 2014 Junior World Championship.
Debuting in 2016, he enjoyed a remarkable winning streak of 26 out of 27 games for club and country. Itoje featured in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final and has been a consistent presence in England squads. He continues in Steve Borthwick’s 2024 Six Nations squad.
Woodward wrote: "I’m delighted to see Lawrence back in the team after injury.
"Fraser Dingwall is unlucky but if Lawrence hadn’t had a hip problem, he’d have started the wins over Italy and Wales too. Lawrence can crash the ball up. But he’s more versatile than just that.
"It’s fascinating that Lawrence and Russell are Bath team-mates but on opposite sides on Saturday. They know each other’s game so well so should be able to guess what’s coming."
